Our Contribution to Bread for the City

   

 On June 29, 2012 the garden class all took a trip to the organization called Bread for the City, which allowed us to experience helping set up a free Farmers Market. It was really nice because it was kind of hot outside. It was a good experience because the people in line were very grateful for the produce that we were giving away to them. The market was outside in the back yard of the organization. The only thing that bothered everyone was the heat, because we went on a day that was scheduled for 100 degree weather.

We arrived at around 8:45am and stayed until 10am. My peers and I were extremely hot during the process, but we felt good helping the people get the fresh produce that they needed to eat healthily. After a short, but what felt like long day in the sun, we all came back to school, and enjoyed some kale, peanut butter, banana, and berry smoothies. The first one was a pretty purple color, and the other was green because of the kale. It was a good healthy and delicious drink for us to enjoy from the heat outside.

A Break From the Garden

It seems like every day I spend in the garden brings new experiences, new experiences that I actually enjoy. Today was a little different from the previous days. We did not work in the garden today. Today we went on a field trip. We all loaded our bags with water and off we went to the bus stop. Even though it was extremely hot we pushed through. Just minutes later we arrived at Bread For The City. Today they were having a farmer's market. I was so surprised to know that southeast has resources like this. Everything that was being given away was totally free, the only thing the people in line had to pay was standing in the heat. Bread for the City was giving away shoes, clothes, watermelon, meats, vegetables, and more. I helped bag watermelon. I was happy to see how hard everyone was working to pull this off. I left the center feeling accomplished because I actually helped make people lives better. I would not mind volunteering again in the future.

Day 2 In The Garden :)

Working in the school garden this year is a very new experience for me, although I adapted quickly. It is very different from my previous summer jobs as I’m used to being in an office staring at four white walls all day. I enjoy being outside. It’s only day two for me and I have already learned something new. I learned that trying new things can be beneficial. I never thought that I would like being a gardener but I must admit that it is fun. 


There is always something to do in the garden; you can never get bored. Today was one of those days where I did not get bored. I observed plants such as hot peppers, basil, squash, corn, okra, tomatoes, zinnia, beans, and eggplant. I watered the soil. I also harvested some things which was really fun and interesting. I harvested potatoes, fennel, carrots, kohlrabi, and beans. It was a good experience and I know I will enjoy myself over the next five weeks.

The Story Behind it All

       The Great Garden began in 2006 when a group of TMA teachers and students built four raised beds to see if they could grow their own food. Over three years, the garden grew and was eventually relocated to the southwest corner of the Savoy campus. The garden is handicapped-accessible and features a large edible garden areas (20 raised beds plus a berry patch and 7 fruit trees), storm water garden, pollinator garden, as well as native plantings. However, the mission has been the same for both: understanding what is significant and useful about the garden that we grew as not only a group of high school students, but also as a community. 


For this reason it is important that we understand our heritage and grow not only a garden which symbolizes who we are as people but also who we are as a community. The students of Thurgood Marshall Academy have planted seeds which grow beautiful roots; these roots allow our plants to produce beautiful flowers and vegetables. Most importantly, we as a school community felt that it was best that we share what we’ve been growing for over the three years. We’ve harvested potatoes, tomatoes, and other healthy vegetables and sold them at Farmers Markets. Not only is our garden a symbol of our enthusiasm and search for healthy food, but also a resource for our community.

Kadeejah's Experience in the Garden

Only two days and I’ve been garden-bound by Ms. Kali and Ms. Kate! There are a lot of things that I am learning every day about harvesting plants and other things in the garden. We each were assigned our own garden bed and had to transplant the plants that we wanted to see grow over time in the bed we designed. Not only did we transplant things, but we also grew things from seeds, such as hot pepper, basil, and even a Zinnia flower. One of the most important things that I am learning throughout this experience in the garden is patience. Having patience is waiting on something to happen or for something to grow in order to see what the outcome turns out to be. There are many other things that there are important to know and understand about gardening and I feel as though I’ve waited enough, and I’m ready to see them.
    A mother waiting for her embryo to develop into a beautiful baby is how I feel waiting for a seed to turn into a seed and then a beautiful flower. It takes up to 80 and 110 days to actually grow plants and other flowers because they take time to sprout, grow roots, and produce flowers and vegetables. The garden is one of those jobs that is hard work and requires a large amount of patience, which is something I haven’t had in a while. One thing that I will say that I am taking away from this experience is building patience and learning how to keep an open mind on the things that take time to develop. Such as a seed, or a plant which will later on develop into a beautiful flower, or a juicy carrot!